Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William) has introduced a measure that would allow public bodies to terminate or otherwise discipline an employee who willfully and knowingly violated FOIA. The law currently allows for fines to be imposed, but judges have almost never used it.
Del. Jim Scott (D-Merrifield) wants to bring transparency to campaign finance after the mid-term elections witnessed an uptick in funding by undisclosed groups or donors. Scott's measure would prohibit making or receiving contributions without required disclosure and would impose a civil penalty of up to $500.
The FOIA Council is recommending a bill that it hopes would resolve an issue that's been kicking around for the past two sessions. The proposal worked out among representatives of government and the access community would clarify how much advance notice a defendant in a FOIA case would be entitled to receive. Sen. Toddy Puller (D-Mt. Vernon) is carrying the bill on the Senate side, while Del. Richard Anderson (R-Woodbridge) has indicated he will carry the bill on the House side.
The General Assembly convenes Jan. 12 for a 45-day session.